BACK IN THE U.S.S.R.-The Soviet Union has undergone many changes
in recent years, not the least of which is the development of
heliski destinations in various parts of the former U.S.S.R. One
of the first of these operations appeared around 1990 in Gudauri,
Georgia. A four-star luxury hotel built by the Austrians probably
has Marx, Lenin, and company turning in their graves. This article
describes both the skiing and the non-skiing aspects of taking
a vacation in Gudauri. Here, one can ski within the lift system
among local skiers who cover their faces with pillowcases to screen
out the sun, or with the help of the helicopter, one can ski down
to small mountain villages not far removed from the 19th century.
The article includes a sidebar with facts, figures, prices and
other specific details of the operation.
